Yamuna Chhath

Yamuna Chhath Significance – Sixth Day of Chaitra Navratri

Yamuna Chhath which is also known as Yamuna Jayanti is one of the most significant Hindu festival which is celebrated with much gusto in cities of Mathura and Vrindavan. This festival commemorates the advent of Goddess Yamuna on earth, so, it is also termed as the birth anniversary of Yamuna, the holy river. It is observed with a great deal of enthusiasm on the Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi in the month of Chaitra which according to the Gregorian calendar falls in the month of March. On this day, people perform Chhath Puja on the banks of the holy river and pray for happiness and prosperity.

YAMUNA CHHATH DATE

According to Hindu Calendar, Yamuna Chhath will be celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Sashti.

Yamuna Chhath - Importance

Yamuna Chhath is an important festival, especially for the devotees of Lord Krishna. Goddess Yamuna, according to Hindu mythology, was the consort of Lord Krishna. This is why this festival holds such reverence to people in Braj, Mathura and Vrindavan. Yamuna river is revered as a sacred river in Hindu culture similar to Ganga, Brahmaputra, Saraswati and Godavari. This is why this day celebrates the descent of Goddess Yamuna and as her birth anniversary.

Yamuna Chhath - Celebrations And Rituals

Yamuna Jayanti is observed with much fervor among the devotees. People wake up early and take bath in the holy river before sunrise. A bath in this holy river of Yamuna, purifies one’s soul and liberates them of all their sins. Post this, Chhath Puja is done dedicated to Goddess Yamuna on a specific Chhath Puja muhurat. Devotees also worship Lord Krishna on this day.

Some people also observe a strict fast on Yamuna Chhath. Devotees break their 24 hour fast on the next day after observing all the morning rituals and performing the Puja. Sweets are prepared and offered to Goddess Yamuna and the same is distributed as prasad among all relatives, neighbors and friends.